My Journey From Setback to Success

By Leana Padera (Communications Intern)

Life took an unexpected turn when I became pregnant at 17. I still remember the disappointment in my parents’ eyes—they had so many dreams for me, and in that moment, it felt like I had let them down completely. As the firstborn child, I was meant to be a role model for my younger siblings, but instead, I made wrong choices.

"When I fell pregnant, my world changed. My relationship with my parents was never the same."

Coming from a strong Christian background, my parents struggled to accept my situation as they faced a lot of judgement from both our family and the community. Out of frustration, my father told me that he could not support both me and my child. Therefore, I had to stop going to school. I felt stuck and hopeless.

"I remember sitting at home, wondering what I was going to do next. The father of my child was not in the picture, and I struggled to provide for my baby."

Even though I had hit rock bottom, I refused to give up on my future. Instead, I searched for opportunities to rebuild my life. In 2023, I heard about the Girls Education Mentoring & Support (GEMS) Project, from World Vision. The project focuses on education, mentorship, and skills training for girls like me—girls who need a second chance.

Determined to change my life, I enrolled in Clothing Technology at Empandeni Vocational Training Centre. At first, my parents were sceptical about me going back to school. They were afraid I might make the same mistake again. But I was determined to prove them wrong.

After completing my training, I secured a job at one of the biggest clothing factories in Bulawayo. Now, I earn enough to support my son. I have even bought my own sewing machine so I can start a small business from home.

But this is just the beginning. I am determined to return to school, complete my O-levels, and continue mending my relationship with my parents.

"To any young girl who feels like they have lost their way, remember this—your past does not define you. You have the power to rewrite your story. Today, I can provide for my son, and my future is bright!"

I cannot express enough how grateful I am to the GEMS Project and World Vision Zimbabwe for giving me the opportunity to rewrite my story.

"Had it not been for GEMS, I don’t even want to imagine where I would be. Thank you for empowering young girls like me!"